What is Karaoke?

In rebuttal to Coleman Cecil's article in the Aug/Sept issue.

Most of us know "Karaoke " is Japanese loosely meaning empty orchestra, hence music without words.  Some do believe the meaning to be Japanese for not being able to carry a tune.  To me Karaoke means Fun, a lot of Fun!

There are those of us in the industry who actually enjoy what we do. It is not "OUR," (the "KJ"s"show), but each person that steps up to the microphone to sing.   We have our excellent singers, as well as, good, not so well and maybe even bad, but the main thing is they are having FUN.  I personally am not a great singer, maybe not even a good singer however I have Fun and enjoy being able to bring in "virgin" karaoke singers.  Watching them nervously try to get up the nerve, and finally there they are, singing their hearts out, again and again and again.

If we were all great and fabulous singers, we would all have recording contracts.  Who am I to judge who is good and who is not?  I am not here to have contests; I am here to perform a service.  To bring the music to the people, so THEY can have their 2-3 minutes on the stage, to be a part of a community that has the same thing in common.

For those in the industry that need earplugs, and reluctantly put in a singer that "needs self help karaoke tapes" or who would love to call in the "Karaoke Police, as well as issue health warnings," I suggest you get out of the business NOW.  For those of us who truly enjoy what we do, it gives not only KJ's but also Karaoke a bad name.

The whole premise behind Karaoke is to have all kinds of singers, styles and personalities.  Each singer is different, each KJ is different, and however when one person negatively impacts the industry, I cannot stand back and allow my singers to believe this is the belief of all KJ's.  I want my singers to feel comfortable, and without any inhibitions.  That is the way it should be, to be able to go out, have fun and for some short time have their moment in the spotlight.

Joanne